Commerce Specialist 1

Commerce Specialist 1

At the Department of Commerce we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.

We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future.

The Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, public entities, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the ability of local governments and community based organizations to fund and develop critical services to their citizens. The division provides access to state and federal resources through grants and loans to plan, develop and

build needed infrastructure and capital facility projects across the state. Efforts are made to make financial resources more accessible to applicants and recipients, and to prioritize the most critical projects and needs; LGD resources create jobs and grow business by initiating new opportunities for economic development. The division also supports communities with research and project management expertise, including technical assistance on a variety of subjects including, but not limited to, capital project development, infrastructure project funding strategies, local studies, and implementation of the growth management act (GMA). LGD is responsible for helping Washington grow sustainably by supporting local governments with planning and implementation of the GMA, encouraging smart growth and protecting our communities. LGD strives to develop strong partnerships, vibrant communities, and sustainable infrastructure.

Position Objective: This position performs a variety of professional-level project and research work for the Local Government Fiscal Note Program, which is located in the Research and Development Services Unit in the Local Government Division. This position is responsible for conducting research on the fiscal impacts of policy changes for cities, counties, and special districts, and producing high-quality local government fiscal notes in a timely and thorough fashion.

This position is a non-permanent position starting July 1, 2024 and concluding on June 30, 2025.

Local government fiscal note program research and analysis

Tasks include:

• Conduct data collection to improve on and expand program datasets by:

o Consulting directly with cities, counties, special districts and local government

associations;

o Conducting surveys, designing data models, and reviewing published reports and

online databases.

• Represent the program in meetings with associations and local governments, and at

conferences concerning local government operations.

• Conduct technical research and write fiscal notes within a specified turn-around time, using a

variety of analysis tools to meet guidelines established by the Office of Financial Management (OFM), the Legislature and the section.

• Collect and present data received from local governments in an accurate, objective and

thorough manner that informs policymakers on key revenue and/or expenditure aspects of

proposed legislation.

• Negotiate with OFM and/or lead agencies to resolve any disagreements on analytical

assumptions within the parameters established by the section manager.

Research Project Assistance

Tasks include:

• Conduct research and preliminary analysis of data and make recommendations to the project lead or section manager.

• Serve as a team member on a both short- and long-term projects that the section undertakes for various Commerce programs.Required Education:

A Bachelor's degree.

Required Experience:

A combination of one or more years of community, trade, or economic development or college level coursework in the one or more of the following:

• Interpreting the technical and political implications of legislation;

• Writing concisely, clearly, accurately, objectively, and with appropriate analytical rigor about policy issues that may be technically complex and politically controversial;

• Interacting effectively with colleagues, clients, stakeholders, and governmental officials; or

• Functioning effectively in an environment dominated by tight, competing, and often fluid deadlines.

Required Competencies:

• Accountability--Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, and meets attendance/punctuality requirements.

• Customer Service--Handles customer questions and complaints, communicates with customers, handles service problems politely and efficiently, always available for customers, follows procedure to solve customer problems, understands company products and services, maintains pleasant and professional image.

• Integrity--Deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner, is accountable for actions, maintains confidentiality, supports company values, and conveys good news and bad.

• Leadership--Leads through change and adversity, makes the tough call when needed, builds consensus when appropriate, motivates and encourages others.

• Teamwork--Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.

• Results Focus--Targets and achieves results, sets challenging goals, prioritizes tasks, overcomes obstacles, accepts accountability, sets team standards and responsibilities, provides leadership/motivation.

• Communication--Communicates well both verbally and in writing, creates accurate and punctual reports, delivers presentations, shares information and ideas with others, has good listening skills.

• Organizational Savvy--Operates within the organization's formal and informal structures, builds allies and relationships across departments, uses allies to build consensus and create results, is appropriately diplomatic, understands others' roles and perspectives, can sell projects and ideas across the organization.

• Computer Skills--Skilled in the use of computers, adapts to new technology, keeps abreast of changes, learns new programs quickly, use computers to improve productivity.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Master's-level coursework in public administration, political science, planning, environmental studies, or related field; working knowledge of the legislative process and the structure of local governments (cities, counties, and special districts).

• Familiarity with the policy issues connected to criminal justice and social services, especially in regards to the fiscal impacts for cities and counties.

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• A complete and detailed online application.

• A cover letter (enter online).

• At least three professional references (enter online).

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov  - please reference the job number in your message

Work from Anywhere in Washington State

This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remote or have a hybrid schedule.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov.

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov.  Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.